Lectures on Tafsir

In this video, Ustadh Nouman talks about the Surah Al Isra. He reminds us of how we may think we know something but these are based on assumptions. We truly may not know and we should avoid thinking we know unless we have the accurate information. This khutbah was given on March 15, 2019 at Masjid Maryam in Fredericksburg, VA.

In ayah 36 of Surah Al-Isra Allah warns against obsessively following what we do not know fully. On the Day of Judgment, we will be held accountable for what we hear, see and become impassioned about. Hearing something constantly not only influences our perception of it, but also informs our emotions towards it. That is why having a regular relationship with the Quran is essential. Our views and feelings become aligned with what Allah teaches us through His blessed words. But we must be cautious about how we use our limited knowledge of the Quran and Hadith because often we quote them out of context; we think that we are using them correctly even though we are not fully aware of their meaning.

In the middle of Surah Ibrahim, Allah(SWT) tells us about an amazing incident that will occur on the Day of Judgment. This is an incident that some of our early scholars gave an interesting title to, found in the early books of Tafseer, called ‘The Khutbah of Shaytaan’.

Referring to the Israelites in Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah stresses that like them, we are in real danger that our hearts will harden even though the Quran is in our hands and we recite it in prayer. In the same surah, Allah teaches us how to protect our hearts from this, first by maintaining a deep connection with our creator, which in turn will improve our relationships with close family; then by always speaking well of people, followed by establishing the prayer and finally giving zakat. Salat is the means by which our worship of Allah and goodness to others is reinforced. The consequences of a hardened heart are grave, leading to a strong warning from Allah in ayah 85 against those who believe in some parts of His book and choose to deny or ignore others, if it doesn’t serve their interests. The compensation for such extremists on both sides (those obsessed with the superficial aspects of religion or those who fail to observe even the most basic rites) is humiliation in this life and the worst of jahannam in the afterlife. Such behavior damages the Ummah at large because it makes Islam itself appear contradictory.

Patience is always key to whatever we are doing. If we do not have patience, we won’t be able to get far in life. Always remember that Allah will never test you with something that you can’t handle. Allah is always just in all that he does!

The definition of ungratefulness is never being appreciative of all the gifts Allah gave us and taking them for granted. In Surat Ar-Rahman, explains Nouman Ali Khan, Allah tells us to be grateful or else you would be defying Him, and the punishment for that may not be in this world. You will not get away with such transgressions and if you think you can escape on judgment day, you are mistaken. The more grateful you are to Allah’s many blessings, the more doors he will open for you.

Allah explains in the Qur’an why it is difficult for the polytheists to accept Islam. How did the Prophet (s) deal with this? This khutbah was given at the Islamic Association of North Texas on May 13, 2016.

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan discusses ayat in the Qur’an that talk about Ramadan and Hajj and connects the two pillars of Islam with managing your money and it’s relation to human psychology. This Khutbah was given at the Colleyville Masjid Islamic Association of Mid Cities on June 24, 2016.

One of the most profound and powerful statements in the Quran occurs in Surah An-Najm. Here Allah says that no one will carry anyone else’s burden (wizr) and that each of us will be held accountable for the choices we make. In this passage, Allah is addressing those who find it difficult to follow the “uncomfortable” parts of the faith. He compares them to people who appease themselves with inner monologues about how good they are because they give a little charity. They minimize their mistakes and maximize their good deeds, thinking they are enough to compensate for bad deeds. But only Allah can judge as He will ultimately measure our effort. It is the quality of the effort we make relative to our potential, that we will be held accountable for, not how we performed in comparison with other people. This khutbah was recorded on October 20, 2017 at the Bayyinah Foundation Musalla.

Just as we make efforts towards goals in life, we must never forget the essence of what we are striving for in the bigger picture. Paradise. In this lecture, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan reflects with the community over ayaat from Surah al-A’raaf discussing Prophet Adam’s (peace be upon him) journey from paradise to earth, and how we can find our way back.

Shaykh Umar Faruq Abd-Allah discusses the ayat in Surah al-Kahf that discusses the protection from the tribulation of the grave and the tribulation of the Dajjal. Also discussed is the parable of the garden regarding the two brothers.

Discuss the different aspects of Surah Al-Kawsar and how Allah (swt) raised the status of Prophet (saw). Discuss the importance and blessings of “Allahuma Salli Alaa Syedina Muhammad” (Salah on the Prophet) and how He will be able to interceed on behalf of the ones who have praised him in this world.

People of the “Cave” is what Qur’an refers to these youth. These young men were in pursuit of protecting their new found identity of a Muslim. Their departure from the city was to protect their faith and the deep desire to live a life of a believer in one God. They chose to sacrifice luxuries of this life and the protection of their beliefs. Their migration away from society was a last resort to protect their faith. Alhamdulillah, today in America, we are not subject to the extreme circumstances faced by these youth. As Muslims in America, we have the constitutional right to practice our faith and live as believers. Yes, we may have to make some sacrifices of time & wealth, but we are in no way subject to the harsh circumstances faced by this youth. The example of this youth is a fresh air of empowerment for our youth. This story is a very important reminder for everyone who in the midst of all luxuries and comforts of this world, should still be focused on finding the truth, promoting it and being ready to sacrifice the luxuries and comforts of this life to promote, protect and practice their faith.

In Surah Al-Ma’arij, Allah uses a powerful word to describe the human psyche. Ustadh Nouman explains how the word “halu’a” ingeniously captures our knee jerk reaction to adversity; how we get angry, give up and slip into despair. On the flip side, when good things happen to us, our immediate tendency is to be greedy and fearful of giving wealth or even knowledge. Yet in the same surah Allah provides a remedy for this condition. It is through consistent prayer and charity that we can contain our default reactions, learn to be grateful and put issues into proper perspective.

Surah Mudatthir is a critical chapter of the Qur’an for the young Muslim activist. What lessons can we take from it to move forward and grow? Recorded at the 51st Annual MSA National Continental Conference in Detroit, MI on Sunday, August 31, 2014.

Mufti Menk addresses issues that are discussed in Surah Nisa like keeping steadfast in Allah remaining firm, calling people a kafir, those who have doubts. and other issues. Recorded on 4th of Ramadaan 1439/2018 at Masjidul Quds in Cape Town, South Africa

In introducing the Surah (Chapter) of Joseph, the Qur’an says, “We will relate to you the most beautiful story.” What follows is a tale with suspense, drama and complex characters. The motifs of dreams, shirts and hidden objects woven throughout the narrative point to the theme of the illusory nature of the world. This is a story that requires the engagement of the imagination to understand deeper meanings, which is appropriate, as it is only by employing the faithful imagination that a believer can see himself as he truly is.

This Khutbah was recorded on September 15, 2017 in the Bayyinah Musallah in Euless, TX

In Surah Yusuf, Allah shows His profound sensitivity to human suffering through the story of Prophet Ya’qub (PBUH), the symbol of patience in the Quran. When Ya’qub (PBUH) learns that his youngest son Binyamin was arrested in Egypt, he cries so much he loses his eyesight, as the news triggers the deep pain he was still feeling over the loss of Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) years ago. But his grief was not a sign of impatience or despair. On the contrary, it was an expression of his humanity and his absolute faith that Allah will see him through this calamity and bring back his children.

After escaping the clutches of Pharaoh, Prophet Musa (PBUH) and his people found themselves in the middle of the desert with no food, shelter, or hope for survival. It was at this point that Allah chose to remind them about gratitude.

What we learn from this passage from Surah Ibrahim is that, when we are faced with insurmountable challenges and odds, we must recognize that it is only with Allah’s help that we can be successful. If we are able to rise to this higher level of faith and only think of reasons why we should be grateful to Allah, especially at a time when our mind is being invaded by worries and negativity, then Allah has definitely promised that He will increase every possible avenue for good around us.

With this divine guidance and formula from the Quran, may we all find solace during our difficulties, peace during turmoil, and success during hardships. Ameen.

Often in the Quran Allah teaches us profound lessons through beautiful parables. In this khutbah, Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan digs deep into two such analogies in Surah An-Nur by contrasting light with darkness. He begins by explaining the many meanings of the word light (nur) when it is used in the Quran: light sometimes refers to Allah, to guidance or to the Quran itself. Like a lamp in a niche inside a house, the light of faith and sincerity to Allah not only lives inside our hearts but also emanates from us to illuminate our path on the Day of Judgment.

Ayat Al-Kursi, or the “verse of the Throne” is a famous and important verse of the Quran. It can be found at Surah/Chapter 2, verse 255. The name, Ayat Al-Kursi, means “the verse of the Throne,” based on Allah’s Throne (dominion) which is described in the latter part of the verse.

In this khutabah Ustadh Nouman recounts the story behind Surah ‘Abasa, a Mekki surah that was revealed as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was speaking to one of the elites of Quraish. On this rare occasion when one of the tribal leaders was actually listening to the Prophet, a blind distant relative of the Prophet rushed to him, interrupting the conversation to ask for guidance and inspiration. Even though the Prophet’s reaction was muted – he only slightly frowned and looked away – Allah revealed these ayat to draw the attention of the Prophet and the rest of us, that in the eyes of Allah, this blind man who sought the Prophet out with all his senses, is more worthy than those with hardened hearts no matter what their status in society.

Surah Al-Ankabout was revealed at the height of Muslim persecution in Mecca and, according to Nouman Ali Khan, mentally prepared Muslims for their immigration to Medina. Its opening aya is a profound lesson about what we often forget at times of distress. Allah reminds us that true believers will be thoroughly tested in their faith, just as gold must be exposed to extreme heat in order to be purified. Muslims suffering under the current circumstances must remember that they have protesting the violation of their civil rights ever since Allah’s message was revealed. Allah will give protection to those who struggle, those who show confidence in Him and do not flinch in bearing the responsibility of upholding the religion.

Surah Ar-Rahman is a powerful wake-up call addressing all kinds of people, especially those exercising various degrees of disbelief. When it was revealed in Mecca, explains Nouman Ali Khan, Allah was talking specifically to the Quraish, who, despite having the greatest messenger, speaking to them in their own tongue, continued to mock and attack Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and desecrate the House of Allah. Yet even though Allah is angry at their consistent denial of all the incredible things their master has done for them, He addresses them as “ar-rahman”, the quintessence of mercy itself. This great surah is a reminder of our place in front of Allah. One day we shall perish without a trace while He, who owns glory and dignity, shall prevail. It is a reminder that our need for Him goes beyond petty, conscious requests for worldly things but that every breath we take and every heartbeat is a manifestation of his loving and caring mercy. Our ingratitude and forgetfulness of Allah’s gifts is the work of shaytan, the enemy in our invisible spiritual war, who can only be defeated through constant gratitude and remembrance of our master.

Revisiting the context in which Surat Al-Munafiqun was revealed, Nouman Ali Khan sheds light on the multiple lessons to be deduced from that series of events. This Madani surah was revealed after the morale-boosting pre-emptive attack and victory of the Muslims over Bani Mustalaq, a tribe that had planned to storm Madina following the Muslims’ defeat in Uhud. When the daughter of the tribe’s leader, who was taken prisoner along with over 100 others, accepts Islam, Prophet Muhammad marries her and as a gift, releases all the POWs which leads to the entire tribe accepting Islam. Upon their return, when an argument between a member of the Muhajirun and one of the Ansar threatens a bigger conflict between both groups, Prophet Muhammad urges both sides to let the incident pass and refuses to authorize the assassination of Madina’s most notorious hypocrite Abdullah Bin Obai Bin Salul, who seized the opportunity to fuel the fire and sow divisions between the two groups. When the surah was revealed, with all tenderness and care, Prophet Muhammad first recited it to 11-year-old Zeid Ibn Al-Arqam, who had recounted to the Prophet and his companions that Bin Salul had insulted the Muhajirun and helped the Muslims avert an internal conflict.

In its core, Khan sums up, the theme of the softness of the heart binds the whole incident together: letting the prisoners of war go, urging the Muhajirun and Ansar to let the incident pass, dismissing Bin Salul and ignoring his lies, trusting the child and caring for his emotions. Clean intentions and sincerity to Allah are the key take-aways from this story.

The Quran is very serious and absolute in its declaration that innocent people and civilians, of any kind, should never be harmed. As a matter of fact, wrongfully killing a human being is tantamount to killing all of humanity and that is the greatest crime one can commit against another. It’s one thing for Muslims to condemn it. But it’s much more serious when Allah condemns it.

In this khutbah ustadh Nouman discusses the ayah in the Quran that translates to “Don’t you dare say I am definitely going do this tomorrow about anything.” He explains the proper use of the phrase “insha Allah” (God willgin). He also briefly mentions the status of those who tragically passed away in the Hajj accident of 2015.

For more than sixty years, the Moroccan scholar Si Fudul al-Huwari of the Qarawiyyin gave commentaries on his favorite topic: the Verse of Light. Those who knew him said he never gave the same talk twice. This verse, often a favorite of Qur’an reciters, has been the subject of countless commentaries with innumerable scholars finding limitless meanings. Even though the metaphor can be understood by anyone, the verse does not surrender an obvious meaning. This talk will examine some of the ways that scholars have understood this verse and how we can benefit from its meanings in our own lives.

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan discusses passages from Surah Nouh and Surah Jummah. People of Nouh (as) didn’t believe even after 950 years of dawah. Compare this as compared to Jinns who were merely passing by when they heard the words of the Qur’an that they became Muslim just by hearing a few ayaat.

What is the Straight Path we ask for in Surat al-Fatiha when we say: “Guide us to the Straight Path.” [Qur’an, 1.6] Why do believers–people of guidance–ask Allah for guidance?

In this insightful khutba, Shaykh Faraz Rabbani of SeekersHub Toronto (http://www.SeekersHub.org/) explains what guidance is; that the straight path is the direct way to the desired goal; what the believer seeks in life–Allah’s closeness and pleasure, and eternal success; the relationship between the straight path and the good of this life and the next… and more.

Shaykh Faraz emphasizes that this seeking of the straight path relates to seeking Allah–and making the right choice–in every life circumstance.

Lecture given on May 18, 2012 in San Antonio,TX. Lecture begins with insights from Surah Kahf, relating the downfall of a previous nation and comparing it to the mistakes Muslims make today. Continues and concludes with re-establishing our relationship with the Quran, realizing it is a conversation between Allah and us, and practical tips to strengthen that connection.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the message from God, the Jews began to study him. They realized that everything he said was correct based on their teachings and understandings. Yet they still rejected him. Then when Allah revealed the differences, they exposed themselves of their mistakes. What are we doing today to show humanity the worthiness of Islam?